English as a Second Language

The course is created especially for international pupils and offers pupils the opportunity to gain lifelong skills and knowledge, including: 

• Better communicative ability in English. 
• Improved ability to understand English in a range of everyday situations and in a variety of social registers and styles. 
• Greater awareness of the nature of language and language-learning skills. 
• A wider international perspective.

Pupils who achieve grades 4 to 9 are well prepared to follow a wide range of courses. Those who achieve grade 4 can be considered to be at a level equivalent to B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Course Content/Structure 

Pupils are offered the opportunity to develop practical communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. 

They are presented with a variety of stimuli that will build up their skills in reading and writing. They will learn to select relevant details, understand the difference between what is directly stated and implied, and practise writing for different purposes and audiences. 

Pupils will engage in conversations on a variety of topics and develop their skills in responding to different situations and audiences with a degree of accuracy and clarity. They will learn to become independent users of English and to be able to use English to communicate effectively in a range of practical contexts. 

Assessment

All candidates take four components. 

• Paper 1 – Reading – 1 hour (25%, 50 marks)  Candidates respond to a range of text types, with structured comprehension questions. The paper is externally assessed. 
• Paper 2 – Listening – 45 minutes (25%, 50 marks) Candidates listen to a range of recordings, with multiple choice and short questions. The paper is externally assessed. 
• Paper 3 – Writing – 1 hour and 15 minutes (25%, 50 marks) Candidates complete three written tasks, covering informal, formal and professional writing styles. The paper is externally assessed. 
• Paper 4 – Speaking – 22-23 minutes (25%, 50 marks) Candidates take part in an interview, short presentation and discussion. The paper is externally assessed. 

Additional Information

Exam Board:
EDEXCEL IGCSE

Head of Department:
 Rona Perkins (i/c ESL) – rmp@rydeschool.net